There is nothing more uncomfortable when you need to scratch down below! Yet the relief you feel after that good old itch can be so satisfying! Generally, an itchy clitorus isn’t a major cause for concern yet during pregnancy it can become irritating. The question is, is an itchy clitorus during pregnancy normal, or would it be down to something else?
Is Itchy Clitorus During Pregnancy Normal?
Can early pregnancy cause itchy vag?
Clitorial itching is super common during early pregnancy. Between the increased blood flow and hormonal changes, you can expect to find more discharge than usual. The infection rate is also higher at this stage which can make you feel as if you have ants in your pants. If your discharge is odorless and fairly slight then it is typical to blame hormones
Pregnancy Changes
Having a child can make your body turn into a crazy box of hormones, not only are you an emotional bag of tricks but physically your body is dragged through the mill. Between enlarged breasts, leaking nipples, and breakouts you definitely look glamorous during pregnancy.
I was chasing the pregnancy glow during my first pregnancy but it never happened yet in my second I felt as if I had more energy, was fresher, and without bragging had many more compliments about my hair and how great my skin was, (even though sometimes I felt like a mess).
So with all these surface changes, we need to highlight what on earth can happen to our lady bits. As you think of what is in store in the near future for your vag you may become a little sensitive to certain situations or it could be physical changes giving you an annoying itching sensation.
Can Early Pregnancy Cause Vulvar Itching?
We need to give credit to our lady parts! Our bodies go through such drastic changes when pregnant but many of the early pregnancy changes go undetected. An itchy vulva has to be the most uncomfortable sensation ever! It is always worse when you are in company or if you are in public too!
As your body responds to the crazy changes going on inside it is only typical for our skin to alter too. But what are the main causes of vaginal itching?
Causes of Itchy Clitorus During Early Pregnancy​
The symptoms of pregnancy are not just growing the cute baby bump, there’s morning sickness, cravings, headaches and the one many moms forget to mention is the vaginal itch.
Let’s be honest every woman at some point in their life has been through that embarrassing moment where they could do with a good scratch. But what causes this annoying and extremely embarrassing sensation?
- Vaginal Dryness
Experiencing the thirst you get in pregnancy can be tremendous. Your body is working so hard to help create the little life within. If you struggle to keep your hydration levels up then you will notice that your vag can become dry and irritated. This in turn can cause you to scratch and become sore.
- Excessive Perspiration
I don’t know about you but I felt like a walking sauna when I was pregnant! Your basal temperature increases by 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit but I swear I felt like 100 degrees most of the time. Obviously, when you feel the heat your body turns on its natural air con system allowing you to perspire. The ugly issue is that you find you sweat more in your panty area!
A sweaty vag means one thing, irritation. Sweat building in the crevices of your vag can irritate, causing you to itch.
- Increased Sensitivity
Talking about a sweaty vag you will feel the need to shower more often. This is where you may find that you’re a little more reactive to your favorite gels and soaps. Don’t worry you don’t have to bin them, you will be able to reuse them after pregnancy, but as your vulva is more sensitive during pregnancy you may need to alter your detergent, and soap and avoid douches.
The following causes will need medical attention and you should seek advice if you notice an odour or a change in colour of your discharge whilst pregnant, especially if there is itching present.
- Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis also known as BV is when harmful bacteria can affect the clitorus and surround areas of the vag. Coupled with an itch you may find that you are suffering from soreness, burning and inflammation.
- Infection (yeast)
Vaginal Candida is a build up of yeast causing an infection commonly known as Thrush. Those of us by now understand how annoying this infection is and unfortunately when you become pregnant you are more vulnerable. If you have that irritating itch, irregular discharge, soreness and a yeasty smell then it all points to a yeast infection.
- STD
Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is fairly uncommon during pregnancy unless you have sex with a male who is infected. It is essential that you avoid catching an STD whilst pregnant as many of these infections can affect your unborn baby.
- UTI
A Urinary Tract Infection can exacerbate any vaginal itching you may be suffering. As your immune system is compromised you are more vulnerable to a Urinary infection.
Medication
When you are pregnant you are tied to only certain medications but if you take medicine regularly then you will upset the PH imbalance within your vag and trigger irritation.
It is important to recognise that with the cocktail of hormones and increased blood flow you may be unlucky to suffer with vaginal itching during pregnancy but if you suspect any of the more serious conditions mentioned above then you must seek medical attention for treatment.
Treatments to Itchy Clitorus During Pregnancy
So now we understand what could be causing an itchy clitorus during pregnancy. What types of strategies work best?
- Cold Compress
Using an iced towel or a cold sanitary pad can help relieve your symptoms. Think of switching to cooler showers as heat can further irritate your already sensitive vulva.
Personally, I welcomed the cooler showers just to help regulate my temperature, it made me feel fresh and woke up my skin. A cold wash also does wonders for your hair regardless if you are pregnant so if you can stand the temperature change then go for it!
- Diet
Alongside the typical pregnancy symptoms it helps if you can add natural yoghrt to your diet. It can help neutralize your already crazy Ph levels. Obviously, this is dependent on sickness levels, if you can stomach it think of ways you can add it to meals.
- Bathing in Baking Soda
No you are not a cake! But adding a touch of baking soda to your bath can help your skin down below and also on your growing belly. It is thought to help inflammation and itching. Be sure to rinse with cool water afterward to rid of any residue.
- The Secret is in Your Underwear
Be prepared to get those ever so comfy big knickers! They are by no means sexy but oh the comfort! Ensuring that your maternity underwear is fitting properly and is made of cotton will help deter excess moisture from becoming trapped. Remember this is your time to enhance your comfort during pregnancy so if you feel comfortable to do so go commando at night!
- Soap
Being pregnant makes you extra sensitive to perfumed products so ditch the fancy wash and switch to a milder soap for now. Your vag will thank you!
- Doctor Doctor
If you have no joy with any of the above treatments then you may need advice from your doctor. If it’s an infection you are battling then they can prescribe pregnancy safe antibiotics alongside an anti itch ointment.
Prevention
According to the University of Iowa you can prevent irritation of your clitorus by eliminating chemicals, excess moisture build up, and rubbing the area affected.
I know how hard it could be when all you want to do is scratch but by itching down below you could in fact introduce harmful bacteria to the vag. So resisting the urge to itch will help.
As mentioned, switching to milder soaps and lessening the chemicals when washing clothing will also help prevent irritation.
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that keeping on top of your hygiene ensuring you wash your vag and dry appropriately is key to maintaining clitorial health and help keep you free from the itch.
Wrapping Up
There are many periods during pregnancy where you will feel less glamorous than others and suffering from an itchy clitorus during pregnancy is definitely up there on the list of grossness.
It can happen to the best of us! I can guarantee that you are not alone in your battle with the itch but making small changes to your routine can be a significant help.
If you feel extreme discomfort please mention it to your doctor. As embarrassing as these moments can be, ensuring you are on top of your viginal health can help you to enjoy your pregnancy and lessen your discomfort so you can look forward to planning the arrival of your beautiful baby.